Device for Holding a Primer on a Muzzle-Loading Firearm

ABSTRACT

A reusable device for holding a primer on a muzzle-loading firearm that allows the operator of the firearm to safely and efficiently hold and retain a primer for ease of use with the firearm. The device has a self-adhesive layer at one end for attaching to the body of a firearm and incorporates a magnet which holds the primer in place at a position on the body of the firearm at the option of the operator. The device can incorporate a layer of elastomeric material that seals the primer from moisture or a ring affixed to the primer-facing end of the magnet that prevents movement of the primer along a horizontal axis. The device may also be incorporated in the body of the firearm at the point of manufacture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of accessories for use with a muzzle-loading firearm. The disclosure relates to a holder for a primer that affixes to a location on the body of a muzzle-loading firearm and retains the primer through magnetic attraction. The primer holder prevents loss of the primer and allows for a safe and efficient means of storing a primer for quick retrieval.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A more efficient means of storing primers for muzzle-loading firearms is needed, particularly for the fields of sport hunting or big game hunting that is often conducted in difficult terrain or adverse weather conditions, such as extremely cold and/or wet conditions. Most official deer hunting seasons in the United States begin in or around mid-October and last through December. Current technology does not allow for the storage of a primer at multiple locations on the body of a firearm. There is a need for a means of storing a primer within close proximity of the place of use on the firearm, that allows for quick retrieval, and that does not interfere with the functionality of the firearm.

A muzzle-loading firearm, also known as a muzzleloader, is an open system firearm in which the propellant and projectile are loaded from the muzzle end of the rifle. An open system firearm has an opening at both ends, such as the nipple, or touch hole and the muzzle. Inline muzzleloaders are a modern type of muzzle-loading firearm with an ignition system that uses a breech plug that places a shotgun primer directly in line behind the main propellant charge.

A primer initiates the propellant combustion that will push a projectile, or bullet, out of a gun barrel. Primers called “209 primers” are frequently used with modern in-line 0.50-caliber models of muzzleloaders that are designed for use with 209 shotgun primers.

A 209 primer is small in size, measuring approximately 0.3 inches in length and just under 0.25 inches in diameter.

Due to its small size, a primer is easy to lose. Further, the small size of the primer, as well as the adverse weather conditions that can occur during hunting, frequently make it difficult for a firearm operator to retrieve a primer quickly and insert the primer in the breech of a muzzleloader. For example, if an operator keeps a primer in a clothing pocket and attempts to retrieve the primer in freezing weather with cold hands, there is a high likelihood of loss of the primer. As a result of this type of concern, operators frequently do not remove the primer from the breech of the firearm which is unsafe. Thus, there is a need for an integrated primer holding device that provides ready availability of the primer and is a safer alternative to keeping the primer in the firearm after use.

Existing technology is limited for securing a primer to the outside of a muzzleloader. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,441 teaches a spare primer holder that uses friction of rubber material to hold the primers to the scope of a rifle only rather than a primer holder that is capable of being affixed to other locations on the body of a muzzleloader at the option of an operator. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,441 teaches a design that is open to the elements and does not keep primers dry, which negatively affects the performance of a primer. U.S. Patent Application Number 2008/0092420 teaches a magnet that simply holds the primer in the breech, or firing position, of a firearm and does not allow for placement on other surfaces of the firearm at the option of the operator.

Thus, current technology does not allow an operator to easily remove a primer from a holder while also protecting the primer's optimal functionality.

The present invention will provide a device that will allow the operator of a muzzle-loading firearm to safely and efficiently hold a primer on the body of the firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates to a device used to hold a primer at a location chosen by the operator on the body of a muzzle-loading firearm, allowing for safe storage and quick removal.

In a first aspect, the invention is circular shaped magnet disc of approximately ⅛ inch thickness and a diameter greater than the standard 0.241 inch diameter of a 209 primer and with the magnet having a bottom surface covered in a self-adhesive layer and having a top surface capable of holding a primer on the vertical axis by magnetic attraction.

A second aspect involves affixing a hollow, cylindrical body to the top surface of the magnet and with the cylindrical body having an inner diameter that is greater than the standard 0.241 inch diameter of a 209 primer and a height less than the standard 0.30 inch height of a 209 primer. The cylindrical body prevents removal of the primer from the magnet along the horizontal axis.

A third aspect involves affixing a layer of a moisture-sealing elastomeric material to the top surface of the magnet and with the primer held on the vertical axis to the top surface of the layer of elastomeric material by magnetic attraction. The elastomeric layer seals the primer from moisture.

A fourth aspect involves affixing a metal layer to the bottom surface of the magnet and incorporating the metal layer into the frame of a firearm through adhesive or welding means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the magnet and the adhesive indicated on the bottom end of the magnet.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the magnet with a hollow cylindrical body affixed to the top end of the magnet.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the magnet with an elastomeric layer attached to the top end of the magnet.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the magnet and the adhesive indicated on the bottom end of the magnet with the primer held through magnetic attraction on the vertical axis.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the magnet with a hollow cylindrical body affixed to the top end of the magnet with the primer held through magnetic attraction on the vertical axis.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the magnet with an elastomeric layer attached to the top end of the magnet held through magnetic attraction on the vertical axis.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the device attached to the breech of a muzzle-loading firearm.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the device attached to the forearm of a muzzle-loading firearm.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the device attached to the scope of a muzzle-loading firearm.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the device attached to the stock of a muzzle-loading firearm.

Terms used in this application are defined below.

Muzzle-loading firearm: Also known as a muzzleloader and is an open system firearm in which the propellant and projectile are loaded from the muzzle end of the rifle. An open system firearm has an opening at both ends, such as the nipple, or touch hole and the muzzle.

Inline muzzleloader: Inline muzzleloaders are a modern type of muzzle-loading firearm with an ignition system that uses a breech plug that places a shotgun primer directly in line behind the main propellant charge.

Primer: A primer initiates the propellant combustion that will push a projectile, or bullet, out of a gun barrel.

209 Primer: A type of primer frequently used with modern inline 0.50-caliber models of muzzleloaders that are designed for use with 209 shotgun primers

Breech: Rear end of the barrel of a firearm.

Forearm: Front portion of the stock of a firearm that extends under the barrel in front of the receiver, the metal housing for the working parts of the action, and usually held by the non-trigger hand to help support the firearm.

Scope: A telescopic sight, commonly called a scope, is an optical sighting device that is based on a refracting telescope. Telescopic sights are used with all types of systems that require accurate aiming but are most commonly found on firearms, particularly rifles.

Stock: Handle of a firearm.

All other terms not defined in this specification are given their usual and customary definitions as used by one of ordinary skill in the field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes and claims a device for the efficient holding of a primer to the body of a muzzle-loading firearm.

The device can be an aftermarket improvement for a muzzle-loading firearm or it can be factory installed.

The invention allows for the operator of a muzzle-loading firearm to quickly retrieve and safely store a primer. This is advantageous when, for example, the firearm operator is hunting in cold weather or other adverse conditions. Due to its small size, a primer is easy to lose.

In one application, the device is a circular shaped magnet disc of approximately ⅛ inch thickness and a diameter greater than the diameter of a primer and with the magnet having a bottom surface covered in a self-adhesive layer and having a top surface capable of holding a primer on the vertical axis by magnetic attraction.

In another application, a hollow, cylindrical body is affixed to the top surface of the magnet and with the cylindrical body having an inner diameter that is greater than the standard 0.241 inch diameter of a 209 primer and a height less than the standard 0.30 inch height of a 209 primer. The cylindrical body prevents removal of the primer from the magnet along the horizontal axis. The cylindrical body may be made of plastic.

In a third application, a layer of a moisture-sealing elastomeric material is affixed to the top surface of the magnet and with the primer held on the vertical axis to the top surface of the layer of elastomeric material by magnetic attraction. The elastomeric layer seals the primer from moisture. The elastomeric layer may be rubber.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one aspect of the device 100 claimed in this application. This aspect shows the magnet disc 5 with a diameter of 0.5 inches 15 and a height of ⅛ inches 25. An adhesive coating 10 is applied to the bottom 35 of the magnet 5.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of the invention showing a hollow cylindrical body 30 affixed to the top of the magnet 5. The body 30 has a height 45 less than the 0.3 inch height of a standard 209 primer and an inner diameter 55 greater than the average 0.25 inch diameter of a standard 209 primer. The body 30 prevents removal of the primer from the magnet 5 along a horizontal axis 65.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another embodiment of the invention showing an elastomeric layer 50 affixed to the top of the magnet 5.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a primer 60 held by magnetic attraction to the top of the magnet 5 on the vertical axis 75.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a primer 60 held by magnetic attraction to the top of the magnet 5 on the vertical axis 75 and with the hollow cylindrical body 30 encircling the primer at the point of attachment to the magnet 5.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a primer 60 held by magnetic attraction to the top of the magnet 5 on the vertical axis 75 through an elastomeric layer 50 affixed to the top of the magnet 5.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention where the device 100 is attached to the breech 70 of a muzzle-loading firearm 120.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention where the device 100 is attached to the forearm 80 of a muzzle-loading firearm 120.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention where the device 100 is attached to the scope 90 of a muzzle-loading firearm 120.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention where the device 100 is attached to the stock 110 of a muzzle-loading firearm 120.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

All references, patents, and patent publications described herein are incorporated by reference in total. 

I claim:
 1. A device for holding a primer on a muzzle-loading firearm, comprising: a substantially circular shaped magnet of approximately ⅛ inch thickness and a diameter greater than the diameter of a primer; the magnet having a bottom surface at least partially covered in a self-adhesive layer for affixing the bottom surface of the magnet to part of a muzzle-loading firearm; and the magnet having a top surface for holding the primer to the magnet by magnetic attraction.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein a hollow substantially cylindrical shaped body having an open top end and an open lower end with the lower end affixed with adhesive to the top surface of the magnet, with the hollow substantially cylindrical shaped body having an inner diameter that is greater than diameter of a 209 primer and a height less than height of a 209 primer.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the hollow substantially cylindrical shaped body is made of a plastic material.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein a layer of a moisture-sealing elastomeric material is affixed with adhesive to the top surface of the magnet and with the moisture-sealing elastomeric material having a diameter substantially similar to the magnet and a thickness allowing magnetic attraction of the primer and with the primer held to the top surface of the layer of elastomeric material by magnetic attraction in a manner that prevents moisture infiltration into the primer.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the moisture-sealing elastomeric material is rubber.
 6. A method of using the device of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to a surface, and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction.
 7. A method of using the device of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to the surface of the breech, forearm, stock or scope of a muzzle-loading firearm and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction.
 8. A method of using the device of claim 2 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to a surface, and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction and with the substantially cylindrical shaped body preventing removal of the primer from the magnet on the horizontal axis.
 9. A method of using the device of claim 2 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to the surface of the breech, forearm, stock or scope of a muzzle-loading firearm and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction and with the substantially cylindrical shaped body preventing removal of the primer from the magnet on the horizontal axis.
 10. A method of using the device of claim 4 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to a surface, and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction through the layer of moisture-sealing elastomeric material.
 11. A method of using the device of claim 4 wherein the bottom of the substantially circular shaped magnet is affixed to the surface of the breech, forearm, stock or scope of a muzzle-loading firearm, and the top surface of the substantially circular shaped magnet holds a primer by magnetic attraction through the layer of moisture-sealing elastomeric material.
 12. A method of manufacture of the device of claim 1 wherein a metal layer is affixed to the bottom surface of the magnet and the metal layer is incorporated into the frame of a firearm through adhesive or welding means.
 13. A method of manufacture of the device of claim 2 wherein a metal layer is affixed to the bottom surface of the magnet and the metal layer is incorporated into the frame of a firearm through adhesive or welding means.
 14. A method of manufacture of the device of claim 4 wherein a metal layer is affixed to the bottom surface of the magnet and the metal layer is incorporated into the frame of a firearm through adhesive or welding means. 